Chapter 82: Erden Aschefell
The old wolf steadied his mind in the darkness of his quarters. Byron had many years of experience using his family bloodskill, but even still, if there was some hope his daughter really was still out there, the wolf would require a bit of help from someone far more proficient in its use.
He raised his right hand to his right eye and sent forth his call for aid.
`Bearer of my blood, lend me your knowledge. Daughter, are you there?’
The beast received no answer for quite some time. Eventually, he felt her presence open up just a bit. And for the first time in over two years, Byron Aschefell felt his eldest daughter allow his consciousness to enter her mind as she spoke to him.
`Father... I... I don’t know what to say. We received your letter... Mother isn’t taking it well, as expected... And even young Rust... Loch hasn’t said a word about it, but I know it truly bothers him... He tries to act tough, like he doesn’t care anymore... Maybe he really doesn’t... I... It’s good to hear from you, Father... Are you alright?’
The old wolf was simply grateful she had heeded his call as he gave his answer.
`I am surviving, my daughter... I am truly sorry to make such a request after such a long silence between us... Especially since you already answered my call from such a distance... But I need your assistance with something... Something only you could pull off... I need you to use a stacked Shared Sense with me... Please, Erden... I know just as well as you do why you don’t use it anymore, but please, I think... I think Stahl may be alive... Do you remember when Silbern visited your mother’s estate? How, without the moon, we couldn’t feel him from here? Well, at least, I couldn’t... When we tried alone, we just got that pain behind our eye... But when we stacked together... I think Stahl is just even further away... And you’re the prime user in our family. If anyone could forge and hold that connection, it’s you...’
Byron held his breath as his daughter weighed her decision. Erden gave her reply a short moment later.
`If my little sister may live, then of course I can put aside my personal feelings. Do you want me to reach for her? Are you prepared? You know how much it can strain at a distance, even with the moon. I can handle it, but I don’t want to push your mind any further... I can do this alone if you need?’
Byron quickly dismissed the need.